Poinsettias Help IJP Students Prepare for Christmas

The poinsettia flower pointed to preparation of Christmas for students at . Teachers, Kathleen Murphy and Renee Rajkovich paired 2nd and 5th grade reading buddies. They enjoyed a Tomie dePaola authored book, titled “The Legend of the Poinsettia” on Friday, December 9, 2011.

It highlighted the unconditional love of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The importance of the Christmas season was addressed. The four weeks which prepared the faithful were known as Advent. Traditionally Catholics displayed a wreath, adorned with 4 candles. The candles represented the weeks of the month prior to the sacred day on December 25th.

Poinsettia flowers traditionally decorated Catholic churches during the Christmas season. After the story, students worked as teams and gathered materials. They created and decorated poinsettias. The lovely flowers lined the primary hallway of Infant Jesus of Prague School. Thematic lessons were a focus of instruction for students at the school.  

The Poinsettia: A History

The flowers were utilized primarily during Christmas time. During the week of December 5, 2011 students of Infant Jesus of Prague School learned about the history of the botanical treasures. The beauties had a beginning as the Christmas flower of the United States in South Carolina. Dr. Joel Poinsettia brought the plant from Mexico in 1828.

The plant’s decorative nature made it a favorite in churches, homes and storefronts during the Christmas holiday. It was known for tiny yellow flowers which were surrounded by beautiful red flowers. Mexicans traditionally called the poinsettia Flor De La Noche Buena, or Flower of the Holy Night.